Status Update: Lucky Strike coming to Ladera Ranch; Crumbl opens in Anaheim

• October 28, 2024

Lucky Strike is bringing its bowling mecca to a shuttered retail space in Ladera Ranch.

The entertainment venue is taking shape at the shopping center complex at 27612 Antonio Pkwy.

The company has not announced an opening day, but it is hiring for the location.

Find management positions here: bit.ly/4dK9wAl

Hourly positions here: bit.ly/3BH5I5m

Anyone interested in pre-booking events can call 1-866-211-3369 between 9:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time.

Crumbl, a popular fresh cookie dessert franchise, opened last week in Anaheim Plaza. The cookie shop features an array of super-size and mini cookies baked fresh for customers.(File photo by Carlos Guerrero/Daily Democrat)

Cookie shop Crumbl opens in Anaheim

Crumbl, a popular fresh cookie dessert franchise, opened last week in Anaheim Plaza.

The cookie shop features an array of super-size cookies baked fresh for customers. Flavors include the classic chocolate chip, banana upside down cake, pink velvet, confetti milkshake, Kentucky butter cake, sticky bun and more.

The original size cookie costs $4.99. A four-pack runs $19 while a 12-pack is $49. The chain now offers a selection of “mini” cookies that range in price from $9 for three cookies to $30 for 12.

The store manager in Anaheim is Thomas Williams.

Address: at 510 N Euclid St., in the Anaheim Plaza near Walmart and Burlington. For more details online, go to crumblcookies.com/caanaheimplaza

San Diego’s Better Buzz lands in Costa Mesa

Better Buzz, a San Diego-based coffee roaster and café, recently opened in a former CVS in Costa Mesa.

The coffee shop sells coffee, espresso and tea drinks, smoothies, energy drinks and made-to-order food. The Costa Mesa location also will serve fresh pastries from Bakers Kneaded.

Address: 2701 Harbor Blvd.

OCPA grant applications open

Orange County Power Authority is accepting applications for its first Community Benefits grant.

The grants, made possible through a partnership with Calpine Community Energy, will range from $5,000 to $30,000 and be awarded to local nonprofits in Buena Park, Fullerton and Irvine. The nonprofits will have to show they have a plan “advance clean energy usage and generation, green job training, environmental education and stewardship.”

The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 15; recipients will be notified by January.

Read more about the grant requirements and apply at ocpower.org/energy-programs.

Visual Arts Complex complete at CSUF

Work is complete on the $59.8 million renovation and new construction project at Cal State Fullerton’s Visual Arts Complex.

The work on the 85,400-square-foot project was done by C.W. Driver Cos., and included the renovation and seismic upgrade of existing buildings, a new education building, a new gallery building with gallery space and a research library. The outdoor spaces also were revamped.

The Visual Arts Complex was designed with sleek sharp and curved lines in white. Positioned along State College Boulevard, the remodeled and new buildings were configured “to create an open, flexible environment to support engagement and visibility to the greater community.”

Airport traffic dips as school restarts

Passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport sunk 9.3% in September compared with September 2023.

The airport last week reported it served 879,703 passengers in Septmber versus 969,619 the same month a year ago.

The decrease typically comes after summer travel peaks as children, students and teachers head back to school.

Here are more September highlights reported by JWA:

Commercial aircraft operations (7,477) decreased 6.1%

Commuter aircraft operations (459) increased 24.4%

Total aircraft operations increased (30,124 takeoffs and landings) were up 23.6%

The top three airlines based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (255,408), American Airlines (151,974), and United Airlines (139,879).

On the move

Kamia Kinchlow is the new vice president of Global Luxury Leisure at Visit Newport Beach, the marketing agency for the city of Newport Beach. Kinchlow most recently was as director of Sales, Transient at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point. (Photo courtesy of Visit Newport Beach)

Kamia Kinchlow is the new vice president of Global Luxury Leisure at Visit Newport Beach, a marketing agency for the city of Newport Beach. Kinchlow most recently was as director of Sales, Transient at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point.

Dan Chin, left and Han Chin were the first place winners in the inaugural Pickleball Bash fundraiser tournament hosted by Meals on Wheels Orange County. The event raised $29,000 for Meals on Wheels programs. (Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Orange County)

Fundraisers

Meals on Wheels Orange County raised $29,000 at its inaugural Pickleball Bash tournament held at The Tennis and Pickleball Club at Newport Beach on Sept. 28. The money raised will go toward programs that help to improve the lives of older adults in the OC community. Meals on Wheels OC for 57 years has offered a range of services designed to reduce the health risks caused by isolation and food insecurity for older adults.

Pacific Symphony raised $325,000 at its Opening Night Celebration in support of the symphony’s programs including arts-X-press, Class Act and Heartstrings.

Grants

Community Roots Academy, a K-8 public charter school, recently was awarded a $10,000 Sprouting School Garden grant from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation and the Sprouts on La Paz Road in Laguna Niguel. The money will support new or existing school-based gardening programs that provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. Sprouts said the grants are funded in part by donations collected from customers during the checkout process.

On board

Salman Alam recently was appointed board chair at Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. The nonprofit also tapped five more board members: Guy Lowery, council president at Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Orange County; Heather Sanchez, head of business banking at Farmers & Merchants Bank; Yassmin Sarmadi, restaurateur and co-owner of Knife Pleat; Dana Rose Stauffer, vice president of human resources and communications of Albertsons Cos. Southern California Division; and Stephen Wetterau, corporate senior vice president of strategy, technology and innovation at Golden State Foods. Each board member will serve a three-year term. Alam will serve two years as chair.

Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to  sgowen@scng.com . Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Irvine contracts more design, work for Great Park, including painting new walking timeline entries

• October 28, 2024

The Irvine City Council has approved several more significant contracts that ensure progress on the Great Park continues.

For one, the council recently approved a $6 million deal with construction firm Resource Environmental Inc. to demolish and remove abandoned infrastructure, building foundations, underground utilities and other antiquated infrastructure from the El Toro Marine Base.

The city has already removed 77 base-era buildings and structures, Irvine staffers told the council in a report. Phase II of the demolition will begin in December and continue through January 2026, the city expects, clearing the way for developing the park’s northern sector.

The council approved two additional $2 million contracts with firms for engineering support services and construction management. The first firm, DMc Engineering, will assume responsibility for Great Park master planning, surveying and engineering. The second, Griffin Structures Inc., will tackle projects including lake design and construction, amphitheater and parking structure construction and historic building renovations.

The city also approved a $1.7 million deal with Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects to transform Hangar 369 into a “state-of-the-art event center.”

The proposed facility at the center of the Great Park Cultural Terrace with an approximate footprint of 30,000 gross square feet, will “not only serve as a central hub for cultural events, but also position itself as one of the largest indoor event venues in Orange County,” city officials describe.

The surrounding Great Park Cultural Terrace is approximately 117 acres and will be the future home of the Pretend City Children’s Museum, Orange County Music & Dance, Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, Asian American History Museum, and other amenities including parks, open spaces, lawns and bike and pedestrian pathways.

Councilmembers also recently approved a directive for city staff to negotiate with the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity for inclusion in the Great Park framework. The center, named for the Looney Tunes animator, offers children’s art lessons and programming.

And, last but not least on the slate of Great Park items, the council has approved a $200,000 budget for painting updated entries on the “Walkable Historic Timeline” that runs through the center of the park and traces historical events from 13,000 BCE to 1990.

The timeline has been well maintained since its unveiling over a decade ago, but it’s time for an update, city staff say.

The city partnered with Historical Research Associates Inc. to curate 44 new entries that reflect history since 1990, including major events, technological advancements and cultural shifts, that will be painted onto the timeline, continuing east through the park.

Proposed new entries approved by the council will range from hyperlocal, such as “2017: Great Park Expands Sports Facilities,” to global with “2010: Arab Awakening Begins in Tunisia.”

The final new entry on the timeline will read: “2019: COVID-19 Becomes a Global Pandemic.”

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Rancho Santiago Community College District provides critical support for student veterans

• October 28, 2024

Serving as a vital hub of support, the Veterans Resource Centers on the campuses of Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College provide veterans with the resources and community they need to thrive both academically and personally. Across the two community colleges, more than 1,000 veteran students, spouses and dependents are served each year.

About 10 years ago, Santa Ana College’s Veterans Resource Center began with a simple table outside the student center, led by financial aid specialist Dorothy Swayne and counselors John Acuña and Jane Mathis. Today, SAC’s VRC supports nearly 600 students each year in transitioning from the military to college and civilian life.

At the time, SAC was the only California community college with Veterans Upward Bound, funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s TRiO Grant. Today, the VUB program helps 125 new student veterans annually at SAC, providing academic skills for postsecondary success through counseling, mentoring and tutoring.

To support more veteran students, SAC was approved for TRiO’s Veterans Student Support Services, now serving 120 veterans annually with academic counseling, career exploration and financial aid guidance, including GI Bill benefits.

Additionally, SAC receives grant support from the Santa Ana College Foundation, as well as community partners, such as U.S. Bank, the Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation, Tierney Center for Veterans Services and Working Wardrobes. These resources translate into assistance for veteran students and their dependents, providing support in academics, basic needs and career readiness.

“We do a lot of work to ensure that all of our students have what they need to remove the barriers,” said Brenda Estrada, SAC Director of Special Programs who has served as the Veterans Resource Center inaugural director since 2016. “We’ve been able to identify those needs and start closing those gaps, allowing students the opportunity to continue their studies. We’re not just helping one student. We’re impacting an entire family.”

Peer support is an integral part of the assistance the veteran students receive while at SAC, and through the VRC’s Peer Advisors for Veteran Education program, current student veterans become peer advisors to new student veterans coming to campus. These same students go on to impact the SAC community in other ways, such as veteran student Jessica Velez, who is the current Associated Student Government President.

“Transitioning from the military to higher education is difficult,” Estrada said. “Giving them that power of self-advocacy and the power to be able to empower their peers is critical. It keeps them engaged.”

Top 10 ranking

At Santiago Canyon College, nearly 450 veteran students and their spouses and dependents are served each year through the school’s Veterans Resource Center. After a number of years of sharing space, SCC’s center is in its third year as its own entity and provides a one-stop shop for the school’s veteran students with resources in counseling, tutoring and career assistance.

Since many of the veteran students arrive on campus with prior learning experience and distinct skill sets from their time in the military, SCC has several shorter-term programs that get the students career-ready. Whether it’s the Real Estate Program or the school’s nationally ranked Water Utility Science Program, the students can enter the workforce earning a livable wage in a brief period of time.

“I think what makes us unique is we have hands-on trade opportunities for veterans,” said LaKyshia Perez, SCC associate dean of Student Services. “Our students are able to take a couple of classes within one semester and start to get jobs making livable wages. They want to use their skill set from the military out in the real world, and I think that’s one of the areas where we’re striving to help our veterans.”

For the past seven years, SCC’s Veterans Resource Center has received a Military Friendly designation by Viqtory, Inc., the trademarked standard that measures an organization’s commitment to creating opportunities for the military community. SCC earned a Top 10 Gold / Spouse Friendly distinction for the 2024-2025 academic year in metrics such as graduation rate, GPA, retention rate and emergency funding, placing the school’s veterans support program among the top 10 nationally and one of only two community college programs of its kind in California.

“We’re really passionate about helping our veterans and dependents, and it shows by (receiving) this award,” said Elizabeth Bergara, student services coordinator at SCC’s Veterans Office. “It validates our commitment to our students in helping them transition into higher education.”

Earlier this month, Santa Ana College hosted a Veterans Day Resource Fair to recognize those who have served in the community and raise awareness about student veterans on campus.

At 12:30 p.m. on Nov, 4, Santiago Canyon College will kick off a weeklong celebration of veterans with a Recognition Ceremony on campus.

“They served our country,” said Perez, who is also a veteran dependent. “The least we can do is ensure they have the support to continue their lives beyond their service in the military. They contribute to our society in so many ways.”

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Anaheim council set to consider approval of 498-unit Anaheim Hills apartment complex

• October 28, 2024

The Anaheim City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 29, will consider approval for a 498-unit apartment complex in Anaheim Hills’ Deer Canyon, a contentious project that has neighbors pleading for it not to get built.

The Hills Preserve housing project would be a departure from the typical single-family homes built in the area. The development would see the apartment complex with high-end amenities and some office space built on an undeveloped plot of land in the Anaheim Hills.

SALT Development, the company behind the Hills Preserve proposes to build on about a third of the 76-acre plot of land near the 91 Freeway off of Santa Ana Canyon Road. The rest of about 50 acres would be designated as open space.

SALT Development’s leaders say their project will open up access to an underutilized park nearby, Deer Canyon Park Preserve, by building new roads and trails and will help in addressing the region’s need for more housing.

Neighbors opposed to the project say it’s too much of a fire risk to have there and would worsen evacuation times during wildfires when every moment counts.

The apartment is planned to be a mid-century design with a bowling alley, rooftop pool and fitness center.

If approved, SALT Development has promised the city $500,000 for affordable housing and $2.2 million to Anaheim Fire & Rescue.

The Planning Commission approved the Hills Preserve at its Sept. 30 meeting. City staff had recommended the denial of the project over evacuation worries.

The state identifies the land for the project as in a very high fire hazard severity zone. SALT Development says its plans to add fire hydrants, reduce vegetation and build retaining walls would make the area more resistant to fires.

Anaheim Fire Chief Pat Russell told the Planning Commission he did not support the project and raised concerns over how it would affect wildfire evacuations. An environmental analysis for the Hills Preserve said having the apartments would add 24 minutes to evacuation time in a worst-case scenario on a Friday afternoon.

SALT Development has notified the city that if the Hills Preserve isn’t approved it would pursue a builder’s remedy application, allowing it to bypass current density limits and build a much bigger project. Its builder’s remedy plans call for 1,280 apartment homes constructed and 20% would need to be affordable.

The Anaheim City Council meeting begins at 5 p.m. on Tuesday in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Residents who live within 1,000 feet of where the Hills Preserve would be will get up to 10 minutes to speak during public comment, and everyone else will get three minutes.

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Senior living: Understanding the recent changes to Medicare Part D

• October 28, 2024

By Jose Juarez, Guest columnist

Navigating the complexities of health care can be overwhelming, especially when you’re managing your health, budget and peace of mind. The recent changes to Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage program, come after not being changed in nearly 20 years. So, it’s important for you to review your current plans and ensure you don’t end up having to pay more.

Jose Juarez, Medicare education specialist at MemorialCare. (Courtesy photo)

Having worked with seniors for many years, I understand how critical it is to have reliable information to make decisions. Before we dive into the recent updates, it’s helpful to revisit what each part of Medicare covers to give you a clearer understanding of how Part D fits into the broader Medicare picture:

Medicare Part A: This part covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home health services. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A because they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes throughout their careers.
Medicare Part B: Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, lab tests and medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs. Most beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for Part B, which is based on their income.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): This is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and often include Part D (prescription drug coverage) as well as additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
Medicare Part D: Part D is the part of Medicare that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It’s offered by private insurance companies and is available to anyone who has Medicare. This is the part undergoing important updates that can greatly impact your prescription drug costs.
Recent changes to Medicare Part D are part of an ongoing effort to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible. These updates are aimed at easing the financial burden on seniors and ensuring that medications remain within reach.

Below are key changes to note about Medicare Part D.

Capping out-of-pocket costs

This is one of the most anticipated changes, as it helps reduce the financial stress of high medication costs, especially for those who take multiple prescriptions or need expensive medications. You will no longer face unlimited out-of-pocket costs for drugs once you reach the catastrophic coverage phase — out-of-pocket expenses will be capped at approximately $2,000 per year. As a result, this could lead to higher costs for prescription drug plans, which is why evaluating your current coverage is so important.

Medicare drug price negotiations

For the first time, Medicare will be able to negotiate the prices of 15 high-cost drugs directly with manufacturers. These negotiations will primarily focus on drugs that are commonly used by Medicare beneficiaries and have no generic or comparable alternatives. The goal is to lower the cost of these drugs, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

Eliminating the “donut hole” coverage gap

The Medicare “donut hole” coverage gap will be eliminated. Medicare Part D will now have a simplified, three-phase benefit: a deductible phase, an initial coverage phase and a catastrophic phase. The initial coverage phase will extend until your costs reach the $2,000 annual cap. After this, in the catastrophic phase, you will pay $0 for covered medications (within the plan’s formulary).

New drug deductible

Some plans may add a drug deductible as high as $590. Additionally, monthly premium increases will be limited to approximately $2 to help manage health care costs while maintaining access to necessary medications.

Changes in medications formulary and tier levels

High-tier medications may come with increased costs and higher deductibles. It’s important to check your plan’s formulary to understand any changes to your medication coverage, as out-of-formulary drugs will not count toward your $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum.

Other changes

There could be a reduction in benefits, so review the 2025 summary of benefit for your plan’s upcoming changes.

Certain plans, such as UHC’s $42 monthly PPO and Alignment 007 PPO, will no longer be available in 2025, and beneficiaries will be automatically dis-enrolled into traditional Medicare. If you are affected, call me at 877-599-5622 for guidance through this transition.

Some plans, including those from Alignment and Clever, may no longer be accepted by MemorialCare starting Jan. 1. If you want to continue receiving care through MemorialCare, contact me for help navigating your options.

Though choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming, these updates are designed to make healthcare management easier and more affordable, giving you the confidence to make the best decisions for your health and financial well-being. If you need help navigating these changes, please call 877-599-5622 or visit memorialcare.org/MAEP24.

Jose Juarez is a Medicare education specialist for MemorialCare.

​ Orange County Register 

CIF-SS girls flag football playoffs: Saturday’s scores and schedule for the quarterfinals

• October 28, 2024

Saturday’s scores for the Orange County teams in the CIF-SS girls flag football playoffs and the schedule for Tuesday, Oct. 29.

CIF-SS GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

DIVISION 1

First round, Saturday

Orange Lutheran 44, Roosevelt 12

Corona del Mar 20, Lakewood St. Joseph 13

Santa Margarita 33, San Marcos 14

Anaheim Canyon 19, JSerra 14

Huntington Beach 29, Western Christian 21

Ventura 28, Agoura 20

Dos Pueblos 39, Aliso Niguel 6

Newport Harbor 19, Camarillo 14

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start 5 p.m. unless noted.

Orange Lutheran at Corona del Mar

Santa Margarita vs. Canyon at El Modena High, 6 p.m.

Huntington Beach at Ventura

Dos Pueblos at Newport Harbor

DIVISION 2

Second round, Saturday

Long Beach Poly 12, Redondo 7

Esperanza 27, Newbury Park 20

Northwood 32, Mira Costa 8

Woodbridge 28, Warren 0

El Toro 13, Torrance 6

Edison 6, Downey 0

Trabuco Hills 31, El Modena 20

Sonora 18, Oxnard 12

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Esperanza at Long Beach Poly

Northwood at Woodbridge

El Toro at Edison

Sonora at Trabuco Hills

DIVISION 3

Second round, Saturday

Linfield Christian 39, Shadow Hills 7

Beckman 33, Millikan 26

Lakewood 7, Upland 6

San Clemente 47, Hillcrest 0

King 27, Etiwanda 14

South Hills 24, Norco 6

San Dimas 19, Highland 6

Troy 16, Placentia Valencia 6

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Beckman at Linfield Christian

San Clemente at Lakewood

San Dimas at Troy

DIVISION 4

Second round, Saturday

Cajon 14, La Habra 0

Schurr 12, Bellflower 6

Windward 36, Redlands East Valley 12

Santa Monica 25, Estancia 14

Riverside North 7, Moreno Valley 0

Norte Vista 12, La Serna 6

Loma Linda Academy 20, Citrus Valley 18

Fullerton 25, Gahr 18

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Fullerton at Loma Linda Academy

DIVISION 5

Second round, Saturday

Kaiser 26, California 19

Azusa 25, Montebello 6

Artesia 25, Bishop Montgomery 24

Northview 19, Garden Grove Santiago 14

Covina 22, San Marino 19

Chaffey 31, Westridge 12

Savanna 14, Pioneer 6

Antelope Valley 20, Garden Grove 0

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Antelope Valley at Savanna

Related Articles

​ Orange County Register 

Gov. Newsom visits Hollywood to propose doubling state’s film tax credit

• October 28, 2024

HOLLYWOOD — Gov. Gavin Newsom was on location in Hollywood Sunday, where he unveiled a proposal to more than double the tax credit the state offers to producers of films and TV shows that shoot in California.

Appearing with industry union leaders, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, Newsom announced a plan to boost the annual tax credit from its current $330 million to $750 million, which would represent the largest amount offered by any state except Georgia, which has no cap on its credits.

The plan, which still needs approval by the state Legislature, could take effect as early as July 2025.

The Los Angeles area, long considered the center of film and TV production in the United States, has struggled to retain its hold in recent years, losing business to Canada and other states that offer more attractive incentives, most prominently New York and Georgia.

“We wanted to reconcile the stress that’s been building up here for, frankly, the better part of a decade,” Newsom said, referring to the competition from other places, the coronavirus pandemic and the crippling writers and actors strikes of 2023.

“I don’t know how they can continue to afford that program (in New York), and we’ll see” how it goes in Georgia, he added.

In a statement released earlier Sunday, Newsom called California “the entertainment capital of the world, rooted in decades of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled talent. Expanding this program will help keep production here at home, generate thousands of good-paying jobs, and strengthen the vital link between our communities and the state’s iconic film and TV industry.”

Bass, who worked on California’s original film tax credit policy in 2009 when she was speaker of the state Assembly, said, “We have to do everything we can to strengthen and protect one of the foundational blocks of our economy in Los Angeles.”

Related Articles

Bass also noted that losing production not only harms the local entertainment industry, but can jeopardize jobs in other support industries such as restaurants, construction businesses and flower shops.

The mayor closed her remarks Sunday with a lighthearted dig at the Big Apple.

“Just like we’re going to do in the World Series, we have to make sure that we stay ahead of New York,” she said.

In a statement released after Sunday’s event, Portantino said he was “thrilled” by the governor’s budget announcement.

“Film and television production is a significant part of California’s history and economic vitality. Many skilled and talented workers are out of employment and worry about providing for their families. Production has not rebounded since the pandemic and post-strike settlements. It’s imperative that California does more to compete with other states and countries that have been luring production away from us,” he said.

In its most recent report released on Oct. 16, FilmLA noted that overall shooting in the Los Angeles area decreased by 5% in the third quarter of 2024, representing the weakest quarter of the year.

According to FilmLA, the film office for the city and county of Los Angeles as well as other local jurisdictions, the five-year average for local feature film production showed a decline of 48%.

“Only a few months ago, the industry hoped we’d see an overall on-paper gain in the third quarter, due to the strike effect,” Paul Audley, FilmLA president, said after the report was released. “Instead, we saw a pullback and loss of forward momentum, heading into the fall season that will make or break the year.”

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian praised the proposal on Sunday.

“Families throughout the Los Angeles region depend directly and indirectly on film and television production for their livelihoods,” said Krekorian, whose San Fernando Valley district includes major studios and production facilities. “I congratulate the governor for his bold move to strengthen this vital industry. I’m proud of the role Mayor Bass and I played in creating California’s original production tax incentive and I’m thrilled it’s being expanded now.”

​ Orange County Register 

LAFC controls Vancouver, wins Game 1 in MLS playoffs opening round

• October 28, 2024

LOS ANGELES — For the Los Angeles Football Club, Game 1 of the best-of-three opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs against the Vancouver Whitecaps was not a shellacking like last year’s encounter — even if it felt like one.

A 2-1 victory over the Whitecaps at BMO Stadium gave LAFC, the top seed in the Western Conference, an early edge in the series, which heads to British Columbia next Sunday.

Goals by Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera carried LAFC, which conceded in the 95th minute as Vancouver pounced on a loose ball in the box that denied Hugo Lloris and the hosts a clean sheet.

Because each match in the series stands on its own, the scoreline did not matter beyond winning or losing.

Bouanga continued his torrid scoring record versus the Whitecaps, converting a penalty in the 30th minute that gave his team a 1-0 advantage.

After a video review confirmed that former LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon deflected a shot in the box with his arm, Bouanga stepped up and sent Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takoaka the wrong way, giving the French winger 28 goals in all competitions this year.

The go-ahead strike from the spot was Bouanga’s fourth goal against Vancouver in three MLS Cup playoff meetings, and his eighth through nine matches between the two teams the past two seasons.

Throughout 2024, LAFC was nearly perfect when it scored first, which it did a league-best 21 times in the regular season for an 18-2-1 record.

Coming off a 5-0 win at Portland in the Wild Card round, the visitors missed a chance to jump in front when Scottish international Stuart Armstrong, a Designated Player signing in September, slipped a pass behind the defense that Whitecaps leading scorer Brian White pounded off the far post in the seventh minute.

Otherwise, it was another quiet night for Hugo Lloris, who made three simple saves on the night.

With Vancouver struggling to create chances, particularly involving another Scottish international Designated Player, attacker Ryan Gauld, LAFC’s edge felt more like a comfortable margin as the minutes ticked toward the final whistle.

When Cristian Olivera roofed a missile from the right side of the box in the 57th minute to make it 2-0, the outcome was effectively locked up.

The sequence on Olivera’s game-winning goal began at midfield, where Bouanga pushed the ball forward before it was relayed from Ryan Hollingshead to Mateusz Bogusz. The Polish attacker rolled a simple ball into the box for Olivera, who, starting at wingback, once again created several dangerous moments along the right flank.

Related Articles

LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo went to his bench several times in the last half hour. Striker Kei Kamara took the place of Olivier Giroud in the 65th minute, becoming the third oldest outfield player to appear in an MLS playoff match behind Carlos Valderrama and Preki.

To the delight of the announced crowd of 22,298, Cherundolo also introduced Carlos Vela, whose name the fans chanted as he warmed up near the supporters’ section in the north end of the stadium. The star Mexican’s first appearance came for LAFC in the 85th minute.

​ Orange County Register